11 Ways to Explore Becherovka History

To truly understand the history of Becherovka herbal liqueur production, you must visit several key sites. The city offers a mix of historic factories, modern museums, and themed squares. Most of these locations are within walking distance in the town center. You will see how the production moved from a small pharmacy to a global brand. Here are the top spots to include on your itinerary.

• Best overall: Jan Becher Museum
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Museum Cellar Tour
• Best free: Market Colonnade Kiosks

1. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: This is the heart of the brand's history. You can see the original distillation equipment and historic bottles. It is located on the site of the first factory. Best for: History enthusiasts and fans of the spirit. Where: T. G. Masaryka Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (usually includes tasting). Getting there: A short walk from the main bus station. Tip: Book your Jan Becher Museum tasting experience in advance as slots fill up quickly.
2. Name: The Secret Recipe Room Type: Experience Why go: Inside the museum, this room explains the mystery of the blend. You will learn about the herbs without learning the secret itself. It highlights the dedication of the Becher family. Best for: Curious minds. Where: Inside Jan Becher Museum. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Getting there: Part of the guided tour. Tip: Pay close attention to the scent jars to identify specific herbs.
3. Name: Historic Oak Cellars Type: Sight Why go: These underground cellars were used for aging the liqueur for months. The smell of herbs and oak is unforgettable. You can see the massive barrels used in the 19th century. Best for: Atmospheric photos. Where: Below the Jan Becher Museum. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in museum ticket. Getting there: Accessed via the museum stairs. Tip: The cellars are cool, so bring a light sweater even in summer.
4. Name: Becherplatz Type: Neighborhood Why go: This square was designed to look like a 19th-century town. It features a brewery, a café, and a shop dedicated to Becherovka. It captures the vibe of old Karlovy Vary perfectly. Best for: Lunch and souvenir shopping. Where: Next to the museum. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to enter. Getting there: Walking distance from the city center. Tip: Try the "Beton" cocktail at the local bar here.
5. Name: The Original Pharmacy (U Tří skřivanů) Type: Sight Why go: This is where Josef Becher first sold his "English Bitter" tonic. It represents the humble beginnings of the production history. The building still stands as a testament to the family's roots. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Near the city center. Time: 10 minutes (exterior view). Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from the museum. Tip: Look for the historic plaque on the building exterior.
6. Name: The Modern Production Plant Type: Sight Why go: While not open for public tours, seeing the scale of the new factory is impressive. It shows how the brand has grown since the 1800s. It is located on the outskirts of the city. Best for: Industrial history fans. Where: Bohatice district. Time: 15 minutes (drive-by). Cost: Free. Getting there: Local bus or taxi. Tip: Most visitors stick to the museum, but the factory is great for a quick photo.
7. Name: The Tasting Room Type: Experience Why go: You cannot understand the history without tasting the evolution of the product. Tours often include the original recipe, the KV14, and the Lemond versions. It is an educational sensory experience. Best for: Adults. Where: Jan Becher Museum. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Check Jan Becher Museum tour prices and booking for current rates. Getting there: End of the museum tour. Tip: Eat a light snack before the tasting as the liqueur is quite strong.
8. Name: Market Colonnade Kiosk Type: Experience Why go: Many colonnades sell Becherovka in small, traditional cups. It mimics the way people drink the thermal waters. It connects the liqueur to the town's spa culture. Best for: A quick local experience. Where: Market Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Low (price of a shot). Getting there: Central spa area. Tip: Compare the taste of the liqueur with drinking Karlovy Vary thermal springs water nearby.
9. Name: Vřídlo Spring (The 13th Spring) Type: Sight Why go: Locals jokingly call Becherovka the "13th spring." Visiting the hottest spring in town helps you understand this cultural joke. The spring water is used in the production process. Best for: Everyone. Where: Vřídelní kolonáda. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Main spa promenade. Tip: See the geyser that shoots water 12 meters into the air.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This medieval castle is just a short trip away. The Becher family often visited the surrounding forests to source herbs. It provides context for the natural ingredients used in the liqueur. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: Loket (15km from Karlovy Vary). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Train or bus from Karlovy Vary. Tip: Walk the ramparts for a great view of the Ohře river.
11. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Get a bird's eye view of the town and the forests. These woods are the source of the many herbs mentioned in the history of the drink. It is a peaceful escape from the busy streets. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free tower entry (funicular has a fee). Getting there: Funicular or forest paths. Tip: Visit the butterfly house located right next to the tower.

Planning Your Becherovka History Tour

Reaching Karlovy Vary is easy from Prague or other European cities. Most travelers arrive by bus or train at the main stations. You can check schedules at the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. The town is very pedestrian-friendly, so bring comfortable walking shoes. Most historic sites related to the liqueur are clustered near the museum.

The museum is open year-round, but summer is the busiest season. We recommend visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. This allows for a more personal experience in the tasting room. Many signs in the museum are in English, German, and Czech. This makes it accessible for international visitors interested in local heritage.

Karlovy Vary is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This means the historic center is well-preserved and beautiful. You should spend at least one full day here to see the museum and the colonnades. If you have more time, explore the surrounding hills. The local tourism board offers great maps at the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism office.